The Seattle Storm's midseason trade for Brittney Sykes reshaped their playoff push and the Washington Mystics' direction. What looked like one of the more surprising deals of the 2025 WNBA season became clearer this week when Sykes confirmed she personally requested the move.

Sykes, a first-time All-Star this year, was sent to Seattle on Aug. 5 in exchange for veteran Alysha Clark, guard Zia Cooke, and a 2026 first-round draft pick. She had been averaging 15.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.4 rebounds through 25 games in Washington, giving no outward signs of wanting a change.

Her decision to ask out came into sharper focus during her first game back in Washington on Aug. 24.

Speaking to reporters, Sykes offered a blunt description of how it unfolded.

"I just requested [it]. Would you have

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